I am currently working on some great shows. Chak De Bachche on 9X is one such rollicking show. Chhote Ustaad on Star Plus is going great guns too. Apart from that there are some more ambitious plans in TV and in films.

So you are considering a shift to filmmaking?

Yes, I am.

What are your plans?

I’ve always wanted to be in films. After years in directing so many successful TV shows I think the time is right to venture into filmmaking. With TV, I have always been associated with shows on the music or reality theme. It’s been a journey I have identified with and I think I will translate that into films as well. I think my first film if not an outright musical; it will be heavily weighed with music.

Do you think your work as a filmmaker will scale your success on the small screen?

I honestly can’t predict that but I can assure you I’ll try every bit to live up to the expectations. I believe meaningful films and compelling stories make for good cinema and that is a fact I will stick to.

Do you have any concrete scripts or stories in place?

I think now is not the right time to announce any hardcore plans or divulge story ideas. I am talking to UTV and Eros Entertainment. Both companies have returned positive feedback and are very excited about the proposals. If things work out, yes. I have two projects lined up, one I will direct while I will be the producer for the other one.

Do you think your lack of experience in working on drama on TV will make life as a filmmaker a little difficult?

Soaps are artificial; they don’t create any serious drama. It’s the reality shows that create realistic and believable drama. I know what an audience expects from a two- to three-hour entertainment programme.

Being such an exponent of reality TV, what is your say on the current controversy over reality shows and their so called manipulations?